The Dallas Cowboys took some major steps toward revamping their 30th-ranked defense from last season.
The team added Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, UCF edge-rusher Malachi Lawrence, Michigan edge-rusher Jaishawn Barham, Florida cornerback Devin Moore, and Alabama edge-rusher LT Overton in the draft, and it acquired Pro Bowl edge-rusher Rashawn Gary via trade weeks before.
During the draft, the Cowboys also acquired linebacker Dee Winters, the San Francisco 49ers’ leading tackler last season. Winters will be a strong addition to Dallas’ defense, but before the Winters deal went down, the Cowboys were in talks about trying to acquire another linebacker.
“Before trading for Dee Winters, the #Cowboys talked to the #Texans about Al-Shaair, per @toddarcher,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported. “But Houston values Al-Shaair for his play on the field and community work off of it. Now putting their $$$ down to further prove it.”
In seven NFL season, Al-Shaair has totaled 525 tackles, 24 passes defended, six sacks, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and four interceptions. The 28-year-old signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension with the Texans on Wednesday.
Winters, 25, led the 49ers with 101 tackles last season. He added eight tackles for loss, five passes defended, an interception, and a defensive touchdown last season.
Along with Winters and Gary plus the draft class, the Cowboys also added linebacker Curtis Robinson, cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, and safeties P.J. Locke and Jalen Thompson.
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